Chicago to hold winter dance fest

Ever wonder what it would be like to dance on the stage of Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion … in winter? For the first time, people can find out at free dance lessons and open dancing during the Chicago Winter Dance Festival.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m., in the comfort of the heated, glass-enclosed stage looking out on the park, people can learn styles ranging from Latin, Cajun, Honky Tonk Two Step and Steppin’ from professional dance instructors, accompanied by live bands or recorded music.

Or if dancing on the ice is more your speed, come to the free late night ice dance parties with themes such as a tribute to Michael Jackson, show tunes, disco and a special Twilight (the movie) evening.

The first event will be held on Friday, Feb. 5. Events on Sunday, Feb. 7, are an alternative to Super Bowl Sunday.

Ice skating lessons will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 6 to 28, from 8 to 10 a.m.; beginner lessons, 8 to 8:30 a.m. and 9 to 9:30 a.m., and intermediate lessons, 8:30 to 9 a.m. and 9:30 to 10 a.m., at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. People can learn the basics of ice-skating and play fun and interactive games on the ice in Millennium Park. These family friendly morning sessions are open to all ages and skill levels.

Late night ice dance parties, ice dancing demonstrations and extended rink hours for public skating will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 5 to 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. Ice dancing demonstrations will be held at 7, 8:30 and 10 p.m. at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Weekend nights will offer ice dancing demonstrations and extended ice rink hours for skating and late night dance parties on the ice.

Special ice dance party night themes and music will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, sock hop/1950s; Saturday, Feb. 6, tribute to Michael Jackson/1980s; Friday, Feb. 12, show tunes; Saturday, Feb. 13, love songs; Friday, Feb. 19, disco; Saturday, Feb. 20, country western; Friday, Feb. 26, Twilight; and Saturday, Feb. 27, big band jazz/1920s.

Dance lessons and dancing will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 6 to 28, with dance lessons at 1 and 5 p.m., open dancing from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

In SummerDance style, visitors will be offered one-hour dance lessons followed by open dancing behind the glass doors on the Pritzker Stage. Music will be broadcast through the speakers on the trellis of the Great Lawn so that even those strolling through the park can enjoy the sights and sounds of dancing on the Pritzker Stage. Unless otherwise noted, dance lessons and dancing are accompanied by recorded music.

The dances offered will include Latin rhythms-Academy of Dance and Performance, Saturday, Feb. 6; Cajun, Sunday, Feb. 7, live music by the Chicago Cajun Aces; honky tonk two step, Saturday, Feb. 13, live music by the Hoyle Brothers; tango, Sunday, Feb. 14, live music by Tangata; swing, Saturday, Feb. 20, live music by the Thomas Gunther Trio; ethnic dances from around the world, Sunday, Feb. 21; steppin’, Saturday, Feb. 27, The Magestic Gents; and ballroom, Sunday, Feb. 28, Chicago Dance Latin and Ballroom Schools.

Admission is free, but space is limited. The doors will open 30 minutes before the lessons begin. Early arrival is recommended.

Beverages and warm refreshments from the Park Grill will be on sale in the Pritzker Pavilion and near the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.

For more information, visit explorechicago.org.

This is part of the February 3, 2010 online edition of The Beverly Review.

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